Arakan Army abducts 7 fishermen

Members of Myanmar's armed group Arakan Army have abducted seven Bangladeshi fishermen while they were returning from fishing in the Naf River adjacent to Sabrang Nayapara and Shahparirdwip in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar.

The incident took place around 2pm on Thursday (April 30).

The arrested fishermen are Abdur Rahman, son of the deceased Lal Mia of Sabrang Nayapara area, Abdul Matlab, son of Nurul Islam, Gura Mia, son of Maqbul Ahmed, son of Abdus Salam, Md. Hasan, and Ahmad Ali, Nurul Absar and Abdur Rahim of Shahparirdwip Dayilpara.

According to local sources, the fishermen went to fish in the Naf River in the morning. On their way back from fishing in the afternoon, members of the Arakan Army suddenly took them hostage along with their boat. This incident has spread panic in the border areas.

Local UP member Abul Fayez said, the fishermen regularly go to the river to fish. They went fishing early today. On their way back, Arakan Army members caught them.

Munni Akhter, wife of detained fisherman Ahmed Ali, said, "My husband and three others have been caught. We are very poor people. Our family runs on the income he earns from fishing. How will we survive if we don't find him?"

Boat owner Abdus Shukkur said, "They went fishing in my boat. They were picked up on their way back. We are seeking the intervention of the concerned authorities to bring them back quickly."

Teknaf-2 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan said in this regard that the incident has come to his attention. The concerned BOP commander has been instructed to find out the details. After verifying the situation, necessary measures will be taken to bring the fishermen back.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Imamul Hafiz said, information has been received about the arrest of the fishermen. Work is underway in coordination with the Coast Guard and BGB to bring them back.